Page 82 of Wicked Knight 2

“You guys are so adorable; I think I’m getting a little nauseous.” I drank some more bubbly.

Both Aurora and Enzo’s heads snapped to me. “Oh no. Are you?”

“What?”

“You’re nauseous?” Rex asked from the double French doors. “As in…?” He let the question linger.

“Omigod, you guys. No.” I put up both hands as if to fend them off. “I am not. So not. Pregnant. Luca and I want time to ourselves.”

“Sorry.” Rex furrowed his brows. “I didn’t mean to put you on the spot like that.”

“Her face though.” Caterina laughed. “That was priceless.”

“Wait. Did I hear our queen bee is pregnant?” Santino and Luce joined in.

“Congratulations.” Luce and her big belly bounced a little. She was due on Christmas Day. She was waiting for her water to break any minute now. The holiday season was her favorite time of year; there was no way she was going to miss this brunch. “I know this looks like a lot of work, but it really isn’t. It’s been great.”

Santino cleared his throat and leaned in and whispered in my ear, “this morning we had sex for the sole purpose of getting the baby to move along. She’s high on hormones. Don’t believe what she says.”

“What?” Luce slapped his arm. “I love being pregnant. Sure, it feels like I’ve been pregnant for years. But it’s been a sweet experience.”

“First of all.” I glared at Santino. “TMI. Second of all, I’m not pregnant.” I said it louder so the people still inside could hear me. “I’m not pregnant,” I repeated to the six of them.

“I believe you.” Caterina wrapped her arm around mine and pulled me toward the opposite end of the terrace. “I’ve been wanting to talk to you about Dad.”

Michael Alfera, the man responsible for killing most of the Gallo family, was Caterina’s and Enzo’s dad. While Enzo wasn’t surprised that his dad had done such a horrific thing, Caterina was still struggling with the idea.

“I’m sorry Luca had to go through all that.” She glanced down at her hands. “After Mom died, Dad wasn’t himself.”

I didn’t have the heart to tell her that after her mom died, Michael Alfera simply returned to being the monster he’d always been. “All’s well that ends well.”

“We’re not responsible for the sins of our fathers.” Rex put his arm around Caterina and kissed the top of her head. “Donata doesn’t blame you for what Michael did. And neither does Luca.”

“He’s right.” I met Rex’s gaze, then I realized he wasn’t just talking about Michael. “Talk to her.”

“Are you going to be one of those little brothers who’s always in her big sister’s business?” I teased, crossing my arms over my chest.

“Fuck no.” He furrowed his brows. “You’re my only sibling. I’m still trying to figure out how it all works.”

“You’re doing just fine, Rex.” I hugged him.

I hadn’t forgotten that when Luca came to him for help, Rex put aside his distrust and hate for the Russians and provided the soldiers Luca needed to fight off the crew trying to take over Little Odessa. He’d done it for me. Because he knew that losing Luca would’ve killed me. In my book, he was the best brother anyone could ask for.

“Now, if you’ll excuse me.” I beamed at them. “My husband has been gone long enough. I think he needs rescuing.”

“I think you’re right.” He winked at me.

Rex’s library was past the living room and down the hallway. As I got closer to the door, the chatter and laughter from the party died down. The minute Luca’s deep voice filled the air, my heart rate spiked.

“How long have you known me, Vittoria?” he asked. “Did you really think I would fall for this?”

“It’s not a trap.” Vittoria said sweetly. “I have information. And you have a need. That’s all. Take it or leave it. Free of charge. We’re family now.”

Luca chuckled. “Is this you trying to be a mother? Jesus. You need help.”

“Is this you trying to be a good husband?” She fired back. “How long do you think it will last? Can you look me in the eyes and tell me you don’t care to look at the list of all the people who collected a bounty from Michael. You don’t care?”

Jesus fuck. Vittoria was out of her mind. Anger pooled in the pit of my stomach. Though when I barged into the room, my legs didn’t respond. Truth be told, I wanted to know the answer to her question too. He’d gotten revenge on Papa for what he did to Luca’s family. What about the others? The Irish, the Mexican Cartel, even the FBI had made use of Michael’s kill list.

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